Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Voices from The Other Side: A New Appalachia, An Old Affront
Session Abstract or Summary
In trying to confront stereotypes of a region and perhaps change minds and impressions, it is important that the work be “of” rather than “about” that culture or region. To be simply about the culture runs the risk of magnifying stereotypes in the noisiest way as to be an affront. While such instances have been widely recognized in plays like Robert Schenkkan's The Kentucky Cycle (1992) as noted in Back Talk from Appalachia: Confronting Stereotypes (1999), a look at newer playwrighting raises the same old concerns.This session will explore Catherine Bush's Mud Creek Triology. The series is associated with the Barter Theater’s Appalachian Festival of Plays & Playwrights and includes The Other Side of the Mountain (2003 winner of the AFPP; premiered in 2005), The Quiltmaker (2007 winner of the AFPP; premiered in 2007), and Comin' Up a Storm (2006 finalist in the AFPP; premiered in 2008).
Presentation #1 Title
A Punch in the Gut: Moving From Celebration to Critique at the 34th Annual Emory & Henry Literary Festival
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
I will primarily be the convener; however, I will provide the context from which our panel developed.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Nicole Drewitz-Crockett is an Assistant Professor of English at Emory & Henry College. She is the director of the college's annual literary festival and the editor of The Iron Mountain Review.
Presentation #2 Title
How Did We Get Here From There Dramaturgically?
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Jack Wright is a recent retiree from Ohio University where he taught in the School of Film. He is the founder of June Appal Recordings and an original member of Roadside Theatre.
Presentation #3 Title
"Diversity" and Controversy in the Plays of Catherine Bush
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Anita Turpin is a Professor in the Department of English and Communication Studies at Roanoke College. Her interests include Modern British and American drama and the performance of literature; much of her current research focuses on Appalachian drama.
Presentation #4 Title
Time and Types in The Other Side of the Mountain
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Thomas Alan Holmes is Professor of English at East Tennessee State University. His scholarly and creative work has appeared in numerous journals, including Appalachian Journal; he recently co-edited Jeff Daniel Marion: Poet on the Holston with Jesse Graves and Ernest Lee.
Presentation #5 Title
Cultural Positioning in The Other Side of the Mountain
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #5
Kathleen Chamberlain is Professor of English at Emory & Henry College where she also serves as chair of the Humanities Division. Her areas of specialization include Romantic and Victorain British literature, women's literature, gender studies, queer theory, and American popular culture.
A Punch in the Gut: Moving From Celebration to Critique at the 34th Annual Emory & Henry Literary Festival
I will primarily be the convener; however, I will provide the context from which our panel developed.
